About us
How We’re Helping
Transforming Lives Through the Arts
Artistic Empowerment Centers, Inc. (AEC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to transforming lives through the power of creative, performing, and visual arts. Since 2006, we have been a beacon of hope and opportunity for traditionally marginalized communities, empowering individuals with low socio-economic status to:
- Discover their unique identity
- Uncover their purpose within their community
- Cultivate effective communication skills, and
- Understand and build healthy relationships
Our work fosters confidence, healthier self-images, and stronger connections, enabling participants to unlock their potential and build brighter futures. By addressing societal challenges such as gun violence, truancy, and teenage pregnancy, we help replace cycles of struggle with pathways to success.
Through the arts, individuals gain the tools to become their best selves—creative, confident, and productive citizens who contribute to a stronger, more vibrant society. At AEC, we don’t just teach the arts; we inspire transformation and empower change.
MISSION
To eradicate the effects of poverty impacting underserved communities through creativity and the arts.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
- Expand Access to the Arts: Provide equitable opportunities for creative and performing arts engagement.
- Foster Life Skills Through Arts Integration: Develop critical life skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving through artistic expression.
- Implement Evidence-Based Strategies: Design programs that are research-driven, engaging, and sustainable for impactful results.
- Empower Individual and Community Growth: Help individuals identify and apply their strengths to build healthier relationships and stronger communities.
- Support Creative Enterprise: Champion innovative initiatives that promote sustainable community development.
VISION
We envision a future where the transformative power of the arts uplifts disadvantaged communities, unlocking improved quality of life, uniting families, and igniting thriving neighborhoods. Together, we champion resilience, equity, and boundless opportunity for all.
programs
Youth Leadership and Development Program
Empowering young leaders to cultivate self-awareness and advocate for personal causes, equipping them with essential skills for college and career readiness while fostering a deep sense of social responsibility.
Unique, Holistic Empowerment Solutions
Providing behavioral, relational, and mental health support alongside financial empowerment to foster healthy self-identity, effective relationship management, strong communication skills, and enhanced economic productivity.
Transformative Educational Stage Experiences
Bringing the power of the stage to life by empowering, educating, enlightening, and inspiring community members and participants from socially disadvantaged areas.
Summer Enrichment Experience
A full-day summer camp designed to help underserved youth discover their gifts, talents, and skill sets while connecting them to local community assets—fostering a deeper sense of appreciation, belonging, and purpose.
Artistic Excursions for Connection and Growth
Inspiring communities through exposure to theatrical arts and creative career opportunities, while bridging generational gaps to strengthen family and community connections.
OUR TEAM
Nikki Newsome
Board Member
Angela Richardson-Greene
Board Member
Kenya Ulmer
Board Member
Vanessa Bowman
Board Member
Kevin Deane Baker
Board member
Carlyncia Peck
Founder/Executive Director
Nikki Newsome is a Realtor® and native Prince Georgian who has a thorough knowledge of the local real estate market, including DC and surrounding areas. As a thoughtful person she adores taking care of her father and has over 20 years of healthcare experience.
Nikki knows the importance of considering the needs of others, whether it is one person or a multi-generational family. Nikki’s reputation has been built on her professionalism, sincerity, sound advice to help clients make confident decisions, and her commitment to making real estate goals a reality.
A selfless person, Nikki does an immense amount of volunteer work with senior citizens. In her spare time, Nikki enjoys spending time with family, journaling, traveling, spas, sports, and networking opportunities.
Thinking of buying, selling or investing in real estate? Let Nikki lead the way.
Angela Richardson Green attended Howard University, graduating from the musical theatre program, American University obtaining a Master degree in Arts Management and Administration and University of the District of Columbia School of Law. Angela is a member of the Maryland Bar Association. She is the mother of two who has years of experience working in the music industry for such labels as BoomCity Records, RCA Records and Bertelsman Music Group. Presently, she works at the Department of Justice in the Environmental Crimes Section as their Crime Victims Coordinator. Angela joins the Artistic Empowerment Center Board to help bolster its mission and make a lasting impact in the lives of today’s youth.
Kenya S. Ulmer is a dynamic certified life coach, business strategist, minister, and media professional dedicated to helping individuals transition from seasons of chaos into their God-given purpose. As the founder of From Drama to Destiny™ and the visionary behind the Single Mama with No Drama movement, Kenya has empowered countless women—particularly single mothers—to eliminate life distractions, heal from past trauma, and build impactful legacies.
Before shifting her primary focus to full-time coaching and ministry, Kenya built a robust career in high-stakes media, serving as a seasoned producer and editor at CNN. This background in fast-paced storytelling and strategic communication now fuels her unique approach to personal branding and business strategy, allowing her to help clients clarify their visions and execute their goals with precision.
Based in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, Kenya is a highly sought-after faith-based speaker and media personality. She has appeared on major platforms, including FOX 5 DC, to advocate for solo parents and discuss practical strategies for family success. As a frequent contributor to national platforms like The Life of a Single Mom ministry, her teachings emphasize the power of forgiveness, resilient faith during “wilderness” seasons, and unlocking Kingdom purpose. Through her private coaching, digital workshops, and public ministry, Kenya continues to provide the practical tools and spiritual blueprints necessary for turning life’s challenges into stepping stones for destiny.
Vanessa Bowman is a devoted wife and mother of four children—two boys and two girls. With over 10 years of experience, she has built a strong foundation in customer service and communication excellence, developing a passion for serving and connecting with people.
In 2025, Vanessa completed a 10-course Leadership Development program through The Lady Chapter 501C, a program built on biblical principles that focuses on faith-based leadership, personal growth, and community impact.
In April 2025, she founded Touched By Grace Beauty, making an impact by serving women and children in shelters. In November 2025, she became an agent with Bankers Life and Casualty Company, where she helps individuals and families prepare for their future through retirement planning, life insurance, and financial protection solutions.
Vanessa also partners as a Recruitment Specialist, assisting and encouraging others who desire to pursue entrepreneurship and professional growth. She is passionate about faith, leadership, and empowering others to walk confidently in their purpose while making a meaningful impact in their communities.
Kevin is a professional SAG-AFTRA union actor and writer in the Washington, DC/Baltimore area who began acting in 2016 gaining a background in stage that consists of theater, improv and opera productions as an actor. He believes that goals can be reached through planning and attention to detail. Kevin also has an administrative background working his way from a receptionist to an administrative assistant to a legal administrative assistant to a criminal paralegal. He is known for attention to detail and enthusiasm to grow professionally with a strong desire to help others and develop skills for both employer and personal growth. Kevin believes children ought to know that having positive goals and direction is important.
As Founder and Executive Director of Artistic Empowerment Centers, a 501(c)3 non-profit arts outreach organization. Carlyncia believes in lifting as she climbs empowering others to realize their full potential. Essential to her calling is inciting positive self-image, bringing efficacy in communication and teaching the value of relationship both personally and socially relative to commune-unity.
A cum laude graduate of Howard University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, Carlyncia concentrated her studies in musical theatre and has been working professional in many facets of the entertainment industry on stage, in film and behind the scenes for nearly 35 years. Carlyncia is a sought after creative arts professional as a consultant, speaker, trainer and facilitators sharing her God-given wisdom, knowledge and gifting with those entrusted to her care. Given her entrepreneurial nature, Carlyncia encourages others to discover their true identity influencing use of their gifts, talents, skill sets and abilities to positively influence, impact and shift culture.
Carlyncia is blessed to serve as “G-ma” to five, mother of two, and wife of more than 30 years to the one and only Gregory Peck, Sr.
GALLERY
TESTIMONIALS











Our Happy Clients!
“I learned not to be scared to express yourself. I can improve by getting along with people more. I would like to learn how to do things new.”
Ricardo
“Great community event”
Kenice
“Artistic Empowerment Center’s Theatrical Wellness Program offered middle school students a great alternative to traditional therapy.”
Angela Otero, MSW


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Key Sponsor
viaJ entertainment services, llc. was established in 1993 to serve as a tool for professional development in creative, corporate and governmental settings in the areas of training, production, and consulting. Learn more at www.viaJentertainment.com.
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